Skyscrapers to Visit

Man has always strived to build the biggest tower and to reach the heavens: think of the Tower of Babel. Now it seems that we are closer now than ever. Below we list five of the best skyscrapers to visit around the world. These huge buildings showcase the very best in engineering and architectural achievement. They are amazing to view from the ground and offer even better views from their observation decks, restaurants and hotel rooms.

Burj Khalifa, UAE

flickr image by Thirsty Robot

The tallest man-made structure in the entire world at over 800m tall, the Burj Khalifa is a definite must-see in Dubai. Springing impossibly upwards from the centre of the city, its elegant, towering shape will inevitably draw you in. However, it is much more than a must-visit tourist destination: it is a lifestyle destination. It is home to the sophisticated Armani Hotel, styled with the ultimate in modern luxury. Can you imagine a room in this high tower with your own balcony? There is even an outdoor swimming pool. The lifestyle concept is carried further with private Armani Residences located on other high floors (if you are in the market for a pied a terre in Dubai)! If not, join the rest of us for a spectacular trip to the top to the Observation Deck. Note: you should book your tickets well in advance as they are very popular. Once there, take a stroll around the outside open air deck for views of the city and the far off desert. If you are at the Burj in the evening, make sure to stay to watch the fountains show, which begins after 6 pm, and visit the lovely Dubai Mall at the base of the tower.

Empire State Building, USA

flickr image by jpellgen

So many movies have been made with the Empire State Building in them that we all have one tucked away in our memories, filling us with nostalgia. Think of Sleepless in Seattle, An Affair To Remember, Finian’s Rainbow, Annie Hall, Guys & Dolls, and of course the Empire State Building serving as a perch for King Kong! In fact, there are over 50 movies the skyscraper has featured in and countless more where it is in a background shot. So it has, in a way, become a movie icon and a part of Hollywood history. The Observation Deck is famous for romance, thanks in part to so many of these movies, so a visit there can hold special significance if you bring a ring with you. The deck enhances your opportunity for holding hands on Thursday through Saturday evenings from 10 pm to 1 am when they add live jazz to the already dazzling ambiance of city lights. The musicians even take song requests! The art deco Empire State Building is also well loved for its ever-changing display of colours at night at the very top of the building. On Valentine’s Day: reds and pinks. On the 4th of July: red, white, and blue. On Christmas: green and red. And on every other night of the year, special colours appear to commemorate wins by local sports teams or to celebrate city events.

Taipei 101, Taiwan

flickr image by EugeneLimPhotography.com

Virtually any photo taken of the Taipei 101 tower is almost unbelievable because of how very tall this tower stands, piercing the sky, with nothing even remotely close to its height anywhere on the horizon. Take the high-speed elevator up to the Observation Deck for a panoramic view of the city, making sure you visit on a day with good visibility. You will be within an area that from the outside looks like a stacking of pagoda structures based on the number eight, a Chinese lucky number. The design was meant to celebrate the “upward stacking of luck” and the forward thinking concept of the building and the future of Taiwan. An added bonus is the wonderful photography display you will find on the observation floor depicting the history of Taiwan. There are fine dining restaurants as well at the top of the tower. Ding Xian 101 is on the 86th floor, offering gourmet Taiwanese seafood cuisine. On the floor below, Diamond Tony’s has steaks and Chinese/Japanese fusion food, while Sinyeh 101 specialises in traditional Taiwanese dishes. After your visit, take the elevator to the bottom five floors of the tower for a stroll around the shopping mall and a sampling of Taiwanese cuisine at the food court if you haven’t already dined upstairs.

Petronas Towers, Malaysia

flickr image by mroach

The Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world, cost over US$1.6 bn and seven years to build. Their sparkling presence on the skyline of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia punctuates the night sky with an exuberance and electricity that has to be seen. There are not one, but two soaring skyscrapers, joined in the very middle by a skybridge that you can walk across and take pictures from. You will also want to visit the Observation Deck at the top of Tower 2 on the 86th floor for even more spectacular views.

In addition to the Observation Deck facility, the Petronas Towers offers sightseeing packages that includes the ability to dine in the formerly very exclusive, members-only Malaysian Petroleum Club restaurant, which is an unusual move and one that makes a visit to this most famous landmark in Malaysia very special. Imagine the views! And because Petronas, the national oil company of Malaysia, is located in the tower, you may be bumping into the movers and shakers of the world’s oil industry when you dine at their private restaurant. The towers are undeniably representative of the future of Malaysia. They are riveting and promising of a bright economic future. Don’t miss visiting the glamorous shopping mall at the bottom of the towers and taking a peak at the magnificent concert hall as well!

Willis Tower, USA

flickr image by DrBob317

The scary Sky Ledges, four all-glass boxes attached to the walls of the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, are a real draw to one of the tallest buildings in the world. From these ledges, you will be hanging some 450m above street level with glass below your feet, around you, and permitting you really amazing views of Chicago. Where else in the world can you walk out onto a glass floor that high up in the sky? Or get a picture of your family standing out there, as if standing on air?! If you can’t stomach stepping out into the glass boxes, you can simulate the experience by watching it on a video screen in the Skydeck Lobby. Inside, there is a culture fest celebrating the history of the city, its food and its music. There is great picture taking from the Skydeck for 360 degrees around. You may even get lucky and get a picture of a helicopter, plane, bird or cloud passing by. As you can imagine, the view becomes magical as the sun sets, the sky darkens, and the lights of the city below come on. The Willis Tower was formerly known as The Sears Tower (having been bought by Willis Insurance Group) and is the tallest building in the USA.